Liquid compass

Bowl-Dark brown painted brass, filler plug at side, expansion chamber at base incorporated with glazed bottom of bowl. Inside of bowl painted white with two black lubber lines painted on side of bowl. Mounted in brass gimbal ring 11.25" (28.5cm).
Card-Dia. 7.75" (19.7cm) White painted mica (?) with black markings, graduated to 360 degs and to 1/4 points. Attached by light wire framework to float dome at centre.
Needle-Four flat needles in two tiers attached to card and wire framework by which card is attached float.
Pivot-Brass pivot stem secured to bridge attached across bottom of bowl. Pivot point engages in large brass cone-shaped jewelled pivot cup at centre of float.

Object Details

ID: ACO1289
Type: Liquid compass
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Ludolph, W.
Date made: ca.1936
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Admiralty Compass Observatory
Measurements: Overall: 140 mm x 315 mm x 290 mm